Microsoft has rolled out Windows Server Preview Build 17035 for developers. This is the first Insider test build of what will become the next semi-annual channel release, which will become Windows Server 1803. Yes, that’s the equivalent to Redstone 4 for PC users.

Speaking of builds with the 17035 numbering, Microsoft also sent out Windows 10 SDK Preview Build 17035 to developers.

The client and server feature updates known as Redstone 4 are going to launch March, 2018 (hence the 1803 number. Microsoft has yet to officially announce Redstone 4, but the company has been testing early versions through the Skip Ahead feature on the Insider Program.

For Windows Server, Insiders can use build 17035 to select between VHDX format or ISO format. Microsoft points out the images are pre-keyed, which remove the step of entering a key during setup.

Interestingly, Microsoft has reinstated Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), which had been killed off in Windows Server 1709. The reason for this has been described as quality issues. S2D comes back with support for Data Duplication. Additionally, developers can access servers running in containers on a host through localhost or loopback.

This test build is also important because it introduces Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1711 Build 01003. Honolulu is a graphics management tool that now comes with new features such as Switch Embedded Teaming and Remote Desktop improvements.

Windows 10 SDK Preview Build 17035

With Build 17035 for Windows SDK, Microsoft has added C++/WinRT headers and cppwinrt compiler (cppwinrt.exe). This gives developers the ability to use a third-party WinRT component or write their own.

Microsoft has provided a changelog for this release:

Known Issues:

Installation on an operating system that is not a Windows 10 Insider Preview build is not supported and may fail.

Breaking Changes:

New MIDL key words: As a part of the “modernizing IDL” effort, several new keywords are added to the midlrt tool. These new keywords will cause build breaks if they are encountered in IDL files. The new keywords are:

Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.